ARTVA Field Day at Piana di Vigezzo: a day to learn avalanche self-rescue techniques
Toceno, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day · Sunday•Hiking · 1,931 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+15
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Avalanche companion rescue day
A day on the snow to become the right partner to have by your side: you'll learn to use a transceiver, shovel and probe on a search field, to read the avalanche bulletin and to look inside the snow. For those heading out on snowshoes or skis, together with the Guidders, at the Piana di Vigezzo.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
In the morning, near the Toceno car park, we start from the basics: how the transceiver works, how to turn it on and check it, how to carry out the first search. Then the search field, with repeated exercises: one buried victim, multiple buried victims, probing and the "conveyor belt" digging technique, and how to organise a companion rescue.
In late morning we climb on snowshoes for about 750 metres to the Piana di Vigezzo with exercises along the way: how to choose the track, where to stop. Up top we dig a snow profile to read the layers of the snowpack, have a packed lunch and do one last search exercise; then we head back down and are back in San Domenico by 3 pm.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
For the selected date: by 6 January 2027, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Recommended age 14+
It's not a rule: it just tells you what kind of group to expect. You can still sign up if you're outside this range.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+15 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
510 m D+ · 6 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Dress in layers and set off in daylight: on snow you sweat going up and freeze at the stops. If you've never snowshoed, no experience needed, just legs for a long walk and an easy pace
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Snowshoes and poles are included. Waterproof boots, gaiters, gloves plus a spare pair, a beanie, sunglasses, a hot thermos and a snack. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Qualified hiking guide
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Avalanche beacon, shovel and probe
✓Snowshoes and poles
✓Safety briefing and gear check
✓Course handouts
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Travel to Toceno
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
510 m
Max altitude
1,931 m
Distance
6 km
Duration
5 h
Sunday
10 Jan
6 km · D+ 510 m · 5 h
Meeting point 9:15approximate
Meeting point in Toceno, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
We meet the Guidders at the car park. Transceivers, shovels, probes and snowshoes are handed out.
B
09:30VIEWPOINT
The search field
How the transceiver works, then repeated drills: search, probing, digging and companion rescue.
C
11:15HIKING TRAIL
Climbing on snowshoes
We climb towards Ciamporino away from the slopes: choosing the track, spacing, where to stop.
D
12:30LUNCH
Snow profile and lunch
We dig a profile to read the snow layers, then packed lunch. One last search drill.
E
15:00RETURN
Back at San Domenico
Down to the car park. Gear goes back and goodbyes to the Guidders.
How do you get to Toceno? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for the selected date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Warm gloves
REQUIRED
Heavy headgear
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Gaiters
RECOMMENDED
Waterproof shell
RECOMMENDED
Thermal shirt
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Food supply
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Guide for this date · Sunday 10 January 2027
Silvano M.
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Silvano, a guide. Mountains have never meant just one discipline to me. Over the years I've picked up all kinds of qualifications: ski mountaineering instructor, alpinism instructor, hiking guide, national mountain bike guide, national instructor and international trainer for nordic walking, ski patroller, and technical director for a tour operator. Each path taught me a different way to read the terrain, the people, and the effort. What I love most is exactly this mix: bringing together people who come from different backgrounds, with different legs and different goals, and finding the right pace together. I believe in guiding that respects everyone's own timing, never pushing too hard. Anyone who sets out with me should come home with a real experience, as safe as it can be, and the desire to come back for more. See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 510 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before (for this date: 6 January 2027, 23:59)
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Ask Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Hi, I'm Ibex. Ask me anything about this outing: level, what to bring, meeting point, car pooling, payment.
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice. Prefer WhatsApp?
ARTVA Field Day at Piana di Vigezzo: a day to learn avalanche self-rescue techniques
Toceno, (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 1,931 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
510 m
Max altitude
1,931 m
Distance
6 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
5 h
Guiddy points
+15
▣ 9 photos
+5 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Avalanche companion rescue day
A day on the snow to become the right partner to have by your side: you'll learn to use a transceiver, shovel and probe on a search field, to read the avalanche bulletin and to look inside the snow. For those heading out on snowshoes or skis, together with the Guidders, at the Piana di Vigezzo.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
In the morning, near the Toceno car park, we start from the basics: how the transceiver works, how to turn it on and check it, how to carry out the first search. Then the search field, with repeated exercises: one buried victim, multiple buried victims, probing and the "conveyor belt" digging technique, and how to organise a companion rescue.
In late morning we climb on snowshoes for about 750 metres to the Piana di Vigezzo with exercises along the way: how to choose the track, where to stop. Up top we dig a snow profile to read the layers of the snowpack, have a packed lunch and do one last search exercise; then we head back down and are back in San Domenico by 3 pm.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
510 m D+ · 6 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Dress in layers and set off in daylight: on snow you sweat going up and freeze at the stops. If you've never snowshoed, no experience needed, just legs for a long walk and an easy pace
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Snowshoes and poles are included. Waterproof boots, gaiters, gloves plus a spare pair, a beanie, sunglasses, a hot thermos and a snack. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Qualified hiking guide
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Avalanche beacon, shovel and probe
✓Snowshoes and poles
✓Safety briefing and gear check
✓Course handouts
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Travel to Toceno
Itinerary
Sunday · approximate times
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:15Meeting point in Toceno
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
We meet the Guidders at the car park. Transceivers, shovels, probes and snowshoes are handed out.
B
09:30VIEWPOINT
The search field
How the transceiver works, then repeated drills: search, probing, digging and companion rescue.
C
11:15HIKING TRAIL
Climbing on snowshoes
We climb towards Ciamporino away from the slopes: choosing the track, spacing, where to stop.
D
12:30LUNCH
Snow profile and lunch
We dig a profile to read the snow layers, then packed lunch. One last search drill.
E
15:00RETURN
Back at San Domenico
Down to the car park. Gear goes back and goodbyes to the Guidders.
How do you get to Toceno? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Warm gloves
REQUIRED
Heavy headgear
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Gaiters
RECOMMENDED
Waterproof shell
RECOMMENDED
Thermal shirt
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Food supply
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Sunday 10 January 2027
Silvano M.
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Silvano, a guide. Mountains have never meant just one discipline to me. Over the years I've picked up all kinds of qualifications: ski mountaineering instructor, alpinism instructor, hiking guide, national mountain bike guide, national instructor and international trainer for nordic walking, ski patroller, and technical director for a tour operator. Each path taught me a different way to read the terrain, the people, and the effort. What I love most is exactly this mix: bringing together people who come from different backgrounds, with different legs and different goals, and finding the right pace together. I believe in guiding that respects everyone's own timing, never pushing too hard. Anyone who sets out with me should come home with a real experience, as safe as it can be, and the desire to come back for more. See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 510 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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Apple Maps
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